Oral Malassezia infection co-occurring with tinea versicolor: metagenomic sequencing of the saliva

Malassezia is a lipid-dependent cutaneous symbiotic fungal genus associated with tinea versicolor. Here, we first present a rare case of a young tinea versicolor patient with oral manifestations presenting as white strips, patches, and pigmentation. The patient had a family history of tinea versicolor and a habit of frequent intake of cream. Histopathologic features and periodic acid-schiff staining of oral lesion indicated oral infection with round budding yeasts with short hyphae. Saliva metagenomic sequencing identified Malassezia and demonstrated the upregulated amount, diversity and activity of inflammatory bacteria. The clinical manifestations of oral Malassezia infection and changes in bacterial communities shed light on the pathogenic role of Malassezia in oral mucosa. In conclusion, we report the first oral Malassezia infection, which broadens the pathogenic cognitive scope of Malassezia and highlights the value of molecular techniques in the diagnostic process.

Disorders of Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation and depigmentation of the skin can be due to multiple causes and has a broad differential diagnosis. The most common cause of depigmentation worldwide is vitiligo. This disorder affects 1-2% of the world’s population and is seen in all races. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which the predominant cause is an attack by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells on melanocytes in the epidermis. This condition can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. Treatment options currently include psychological counseling, topical therapy, systemic therapy, phototherapy, surgical therapy, and depigmentation. In patients with stable, refractory disease, successful repigmentation has been achieved using mini-punch grafting, blister grafting, and non-cultured epidermal suspension (NCES) grafting. Emerging therapies include the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors ruxolitinib and tofacitinib. Further studies exploring the pathogenesis of vitiligo are warranted in order to optimize treatment for affected patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(3 Suppl):s115-116.

Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management

Pigmentation disorders are commonly diagnosed, evaluated, and treated in primary care practices. Typical hyperpigmentation disorders include postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, ephelides (freckles), and café au lait macules. These conditions are generally benign but can be distressing to patients. Appropriate dermatologic history, skin examination, and skin biopsy, when appropriate, can help exclude melanoma and its precursors. In addition to addressing the underlying condition, hyperpigmentation is treated with topical agents, chemical peels, cryotherapy, light or laser therapy, or a combination of these methods. Café au lait macules are treated with surgical excision or laser therapy if treatment is desired. Hypopigmentation disorders include vitiligo, pityriasis alba, tinea versicolor, and postinflammatory hypopigmentation. Treatment of vitiligo depends on the distribution and extent of skin involvement, and includes topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, ultraviolet A therapy (with or without psoralens), narrowband ultraviolet B therapy, and cosmetic coverage. Patients with stable, self-limited vitiligo may be candidates for surgical grafting techniques, whereas those with extensive disease may be candidates for depigmentation therapy to make skin tone appear more even. Other hypopigmentation disorders may improve or resolve with treatment of the underlying condition.

Folliculocentric tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor (TV) is typically an asymptomatic fungal infection of the stratum corneum owing to Malassezia overgrowth. It presents as hypo or hyperpigmented macules with fine scale that coalesce into patches on the trunk, neck, and/or arms. Presented in this report is a 34-year-old man with an interesting case of folliculocentric tinea versicolor manifesting as perifollicular hypopigmented macules on the lower back.

Distribution of Malassezia Species in Patients with Different Dermatological Disorders and Healthy Individuals

There are differences with respect to the commonly isolated Malassezia species, not only between healthy individuals and the patients with various skin diseases, but also between different countries. We investigated the species composition of Malassezia microflora on the skin of patients with Malassezia-associated diseases and of healthy subjects (HS). Two hundred and fifty skin scrapings from patients with pityriasis versicolor (PV), seborrheic dermatitis (SD), atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis (PS), and healthy subjects (HS), fifty each, were inoculated into Sabouraud dextrose agar and into modified Dixon agar and identified using conventional culture-based methods. In PV and PS lesions, the most common species was M. globosa (62% and 52%, respectively), while M. restricta was predominant in SD lesions (28%). M. sympodialis was the most common species recovered from AD (52%) and healthy trunk skin (30%). Fewer cultures were positive for Malassezia growth in patients with AD than in patients with other skin conditions, and even in controls. Our data are in agreement with other studies and suggest that the pathogenic species of PV is M. globosa. The evidence that any given species is clinically important in the pathogenicity of SD, AD and PS is still lacking.

Atrophying pityriasis versicolor as an idiosyncratic T cell-mediated response to Malassezia: A case series

BACKGROUND

Atrophying pityriasis versicolor (PV), first described in 1971, is a rare variant in which lesions appear atrophic.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the pathophysiology of atrophying PV.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified 6 cases of atrophying PV. In all cases, routine light microscopy, an elastic tissue stain, and immunohistochemical assessment for the expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, GATA3 and CXCR3 was performed.

RESULTS

All cases demonstrated hyperkeratosis with intracorneal infiltration by pathogenic hyphal forms as well as epidermal attenuation and papillary dermal elastolysis. A supervening, mild-to-moderate, superficial lymphocytic infiltrate was noted and characterized by a focal CD8⁺ T cell-mediated interface dermatitis along with a mixed T-cell infiltrate composed of GATA3⁺ and CXCR3⁺ T cells.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size and the loss of some patients to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Atrophying PV represents the sequelae of a mixed helper T-cell (T_H1 and T_H2) idiosyncratic immune response to Malassezia and can present as a protracted dermatosis that may clinically mimic an atypical lymphocytic infiltrate. T_H1 cytokines can recruit histiocytes, a source of elastases, and upregulate matrix metalloproteinase activity, which may contribute to epidermal atrophy.

Skin disorders among school children in rural Tanzania and an assessment of therapeutic needs

Eight hundred and twenty primary school children were examined to assess the spectrum and prevalence of skin diseases in rural Tanzania. In all, 55% of the children had one or several skin disorders, but only 33% of all diagnoses in a cluster of 14% of the children required treatment. Tinea versicolor was found in 26.2%, pyoderma and dermatophytoses in less than 10%, while few children had scabies or eczematous lesions.

Perpetually perplexing pediatric patients: it's complicated: part 2

Many pediatric patients that you encounter will challenge your diagnostic and therapeutic skills. As the following cases will illustrate, some will perplex you with their esoteric or convoluted illnesses despite your best attempts. Although their initial presentation may often be mundane, thorough history taking and physical examination, and a keen "clinical intuition" will be invaluable.

Evidence-based Danish guidelines for the treatment of Malassezia-related skin diseases

Internationally approved guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Malassezia-related skin diseases are lacking. Therefore, a panel of experts consisting of dermatologists and a microbiologist under the auspices of the Danish Society of Dermatology undertook a data review and compiled guidelines for the diagnostic procedures and management of pityriasis versicolor, seborrhoeic dermatitis and Malassezia folliculitis. Main recommendations in most cases of pityriasis versicolor and seborrhoeic dermatitis include topical treatment which has been shown to be sufficient. As first choice, treatment should be based on topical antifungal medication. A short course of topical corticosteroid or topical calcineurin inhibitors has an anti-inflammatory effect in seborrhoeic dermatitis. Systemic antifungal therapy may be indicated for widespread lesions or lesions refractory to topical treatment. Maintenance therapy is often necessary to prevent relapses. In the treatment of Malassezia folliculitis systemic antifungal treatment is probably more effective than topical treatment but a combination may be favourable.

Infective skin conditions in an adult sea-going population

Infective skin conditions represent a significant element of the caseload for sea-going and shore-side clinicians. They are common within the wider military setting due to the frequent requirement to live in close proximity to others in conditions which favour the spread of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). Within the UK civilian population, 24% of individuals see their family doctor for skin conditions each year, accounting for 13 million primary care consultations annually. Of these, almost 900,000 were referred to dermatologists in England in 2009-2010 and resulted in 2.74 million secondary care consultations. Several recent articles have highlighted the problem of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-SA) infection and carriage in sailors on submarines, and soldiers deployed to Afghanistan. However, the majority of published articles relate to land-based military personnel. This article aims to provide an overview of the most common infective skin conditions presenting among Naval personnel (based on the authors' experience), illustrated by several case studies, together with an approach to their diagnosis and management.

Bilateral and symmetrical tinea mammae

Tinea corporis has rarely been reported in some locations such as on the breast skin as unilaterally. Herein, we present a case of bilateral tinea mammae, which has not been reported before in English language literature to our knowledge.

A case of Hansen Disease presenting as tinea versicolor

Hansen Disease (leprosy) is an infectious disease that targets macrophages and Schwann cells, caused by the acid fast intracellular organism, Mycobacterium leprae. Clinically, it presents with a spectrum of findings that may include hypopigmented macules, erythematous plaques and nodules, and thickened or tender peripheral nerves. The most feared complication is mutilating damage to facial structures or digits resulting from loss of sensation in affected skin. In non-endemic areas, the diagnosis of leprosy is frequently delayed because it may mimic other more common skin conditions. We present a case of borderline/lepromatous leprosy in an otherwise healthy young Brazilian man that was initially diagnosed as tinea versicolor, but did not respond to appropriate treatment. This case highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion for leprosy in patients from endemic areas who present with lesions that could be consistent with this disease.

Cutaneous infestations and infections

Cutaneous infections and infestations are common problems in childhood and adolescence. This article provides an update focusing on the diagnosis and management of several frequently encountered infections and infestations: scabies, bedbugs, head lice, tinea capitis, and tinea versicolor.

Hypopigmented macules: leprosy, atopy or pityriasis versicolor?

Lepromatous leprosy (LL) represents the highest infective and multibacillary form of leprosy. Clinical manifestations are consequent to the haematogenous spread of bacilli and include macules, plaques and nodules in a symmetric distribution or a diffuse infiltration of the skin. LL may mimic many different inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases and in a small percentage of patients, skin manifestation may be atypical. This article reports the case of a South American child with LL presenting with symmetrically distributed hypopigmented macules previously misdiagnosed as pytiriasis alba, atopic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolor. Atopy and pityriasis versicolor are common skin conditions that can be also observed in leprosy patients and that can masquerade the diagnosis of LL, especially if occurring in dark skin. Dermatologists in Europe should be aware of this unusual form of presentation of leprosy and must take in mind Hansen disease in the differential diagnosis in patients coming from endemic areas.

[How I explore... Hypochromic or achromic dermatoses]

Some skin disorders typically share in common a hypochromic or achromic aspect. The diagnostic approach relies on a directed evaluation of the medical history and a careful clinical examination. In addition, the cyanoacrylate skin surface biopsy helps establish the diagnosis.

[Evaluation of some clinic data in patients with tinea versicolor]

Fungi from Malassezia species may be a component of human and animal skin onthocenosis but also may cause general mycoses in patients from high risk groups. The aim of study was the evaluation of some clinic data in patients with tinea versicolor, who entered to Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Centre for Treatment of Parasitic Diseases and Mycoses, Medical University of Lodz. Forty four patients with tinea versicolor were examined. Localization and number of skin lesions as well as eventually risk factor were examined. In all patients mycological examine was done; morphotic elements of fungi in direct and stained slides were found, cultures on solid medium with oil olive were done. In Wood light fluorescence of changed skin was observed. The most incidence of tinea versicolor was observed in young persons to compare with to another age groups. The most frequently localization of clinical lesions concerned back skin, back and chest. In women - to compare with to male patients--clinical lesions on back skin were significantly more frequent. The only one factor was conducived to infection--it was a seborrhea of the skin, observed mainly in patients from the youngest age group.

Blaschkoid pityriasis versicolor

A 31-year-old male patient complained of having follicular and brownish red maculopapules along the Blaschko's lines on the right chest for 2 days. On examination, follicular brownish maculopapules were present on the chest with a uniform size of about 3 mm in diameter. The lesions were isolated without a tendency to merge, giving several S-shaped, band-like appearances. Direct mycological examination of the skin flakes revealed many pseudomycelial hyphae and yeast cells with typical spaghetti and meatball appearance. Wood's light examination of the lesion revealed a golden yellow fluorescence. A diagnosis of blaschkoid pityriasis versicolor was suggested because of blaschkoid distribution of the lesions in this new variant of PV.

Four familial cases of epidermodysplasia verruciformis: mother and three sons

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare genodermatosis associated with a high risk of skin cancer. In this report, we present three Iranian brothers and their mother with extensive seborrheic keratosis-like (SK-like) viral warts. Initial facial lesions developed in the first decade and disseminated with time. The patients showed SK-like viral warts characterized by dark brown or black pigmented proliferative lesions with hyperkeratotic surfaces. The histopathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of EV. There are few reports of familial epidermodysplasia verruciformis especially in a mother and her three sons.

Beyond spaghetti and meatballs: skin diseases associated with the Malassezia yeasts

Malassezia are common lipid-dependent fungi that grow on the sebaceous areas of human skin, including the face, scalp, and upper trunk. Although Malassezia are a part of the normal human skin flora, they may also cause or exacerbate several skin diseases, including tinea versicolor, Pityrosporum folliculitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Topical antifungals are the mainstay of treating Malassezia-related diseases. Chronic prophylaxis is often required to prevent recurrences.

[Pityriasis versicolor and the yeasts of genus Malassezia]

Although pityriasis versicolor is the only human disease for which Malassezia yeasts have been fully established as pathogens, it is still not clear which species are implicated. Most studies carried out in recent years support our hypothesis - proposed in 1999 - that Malassezia globosa is the predominant species in pityriasis versicolor lesions, at least in temperate climates. Confirmation of this hypothesis could help us understand the conditions, as yet unclear, that induce transformation of this yeast from the saprophytic form present in healthy skin to the parasitic form, characterized by the formation of pseudomycelium, and could also guide therapy. In addition, isolation of another species, Malassezia furfur, which seems to be predominant in the tropics, raises the possibility of a second etiologic agent confined to certain areas, as occurs with some other human mycoses.

Skin diseases associated with Malassezia species in humans. Clinical features and diagnostic criteria

Malassezia yeasts not only cause the well known pityriasis versicolor and folliculitis, but also play an important role in other skin diseases, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. The presence of Malassezia yeasts may be confirmed by direct microscopic examination and cultures of skin scrapings. In pityriasis versicolor the direct microscopic examination is the rapidest and surest test for confirming the clinical diagnosis. The preparation will show a cluster of globose budding spores with thick or double wall and short hyphae. For detecting Malassezia in the other diseases the cultures is preferable. Culture is useful both for confirming the clinical diagnosis and for epidemiological investigations. The identification of the Malassezia species is not easy. The microscopic observation of the colony direct towards the identification of Malassezia species, but it is not enough to identify the colonies definitely. Several biochemical tests are necessary for a precise identification, such as catalase reaction, growth on media without lipid sources, ability to utilize hydrophilic emulsifiers as sole lipid source, esculin test, tryptophan test.

Uncommon cases of pityriasis versicolor

Malassezia may play a role in several dermatoses. It is responsible for foliculitis and mainly for pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis versicolor is the most known dermatitis because of its clinical aspects and frequently for its poor response to the therapy, mainly in chronic forms. The clinical aspects of uncommon and rare forms of pityriasis versicolor have been reported. The data related to the patients observed in the last thirty years in Siena are reported. In addition, a study was carried out in Pisa by Professor F. Mancianti to identify species of Malassezia isolated in 37 patients.

Origin, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of hypomelanotic skin disorders

Hypomelanotic skin disorders are cutaneous pigmentary disorders characterized by a reduced melanin content in the skin that results in a lightening of the skin. Establishing the correct diagnosis for hypomelanotic skin disorders requires a good history, a detailed physical examination, the use of special lighting techniques, such as Wood's light, and sometimes a biopsy of the abnormally pigmented skin and the normally pigmented skin. This article focuses on the origin, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of acquired hypomelanotic skin disorders. An algorithm for the diagnostic approach to these hypomelanoses is given.

[Malassezia yeasts and their significance in dermatology]

Yeasts of the genus Malassezia belong to the normal microflora of the human skin. In addition they are known to cause a variety of skin diseases; the most frequent of which is pityriasis versicolor. Malassezia yeasts are also thought to be associated with seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff and Malassezia folliculitis. Recently the significance of Malassezia yeasts as a trigger factor for atopic dermatitis of the head and neck region has been pointed out. The role of the Malassezia yeasts in these different diseases has been controversial in the past and remains an issue because of difficulties in isolation, culture and differentiation of the organism. Thanks to molecular techniques, 10 species can actually be differentiated. The article presents the different Malassezia-associated diseases, their clinical picture, diagnosis and appropriate therapy. In addition the speciation of Malassezia is reviewed.

Malassezia yeasts and pityriasis versicolor

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To analyze the relationships among different Malassezia species and pityriasis versicolor, the only human disease in which the etiologic role of these fungi is fully accepted (although the species implicated remains a matter of discussion).

RECENT FINDINGS

Since 1996, after the taxonomic revision of the genus, a limited number of papers analyzing the role of the different Malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor have been published or were the subject of presentations in congresses; there were only four in the past year. This paper discusses the results of these works, comparing them with results of the authors' most recent study in this field, conducted over the past 16 months.

SUMMARY

Most of the studies published thus far now show that Malassezia globosa is the predominant species found in the lesions of pityriasis versicolor, at least in temperate climates. The authors' recent findings confirm these results. The etiologic role of M. globosa in pityriasis versicolor is based, even more than on its isolation in a high percentage of cultures, on its identification by direct microscopy as typical globose yeast cells producing pseudohyphae in almost 100% of cases. The confirmation of the pathogenic role of this species in pityriasis versicolor could help in understanding these conditions, which are still unclear, which promote its transformation from the saprophytic stage present in healthy skin to the parasitic one, and could also help in selecting the best therapeutic measures.

[Combination of three cutaneous diseases in Mayotte]

This report describes the case of a young woman from Mayotte (Comoros Islands) who presented a combination of three cutaneous diseases, i.e. pityriasis versicolor, scabies, and multibacillary leprosy. Symptoms of leprosy were concealed by those of the other two diseases. After multidrug therapy for leprosy, the patient developed erythema nodosum leprosum that was successfully treated using pentoxifylline. Combination of cutaneous diseases can alter usual presentations and lead to misdiagnosis. It is important to take into account possible disease combination to establish proper diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

Pityriasis versicolor in the pediatric age group

BACKGROUND

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a mild chronic infection of the skin caused by Malassezia yeasts. Although it is primarily seen in adults, children are often affected in the tropics .

METHODS

Over a period of 2 years, children (up to the age of 14 years) who were clinically and mycologically diagnosed as PV were included in the study. The clinical and epidemiological pattern in different age groups was noted.

RESULTS

PV in this age group formed about 31% of the total cases of PV; 4.8% cases presented in infancy. The commonest site of involvement was the face in 39.9% of the cases. Most of the cases presented in summer months.

CONCLUSIONS

PV is not an uncommon disease among children in the tropics. There is a sudden resurgence of cases in the hot monsoons and even infants are not spared.

A case of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans

A case of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans caused by Malassezia globosa is reported in a 49-year-old woman. Diagnosis was based on direct microscopic examination and culture. Differential diagnosis was performed with respect to other skin diseases manifesting with cutaneous atrophy.

Negative cross-reactivity of rabbit anti-Malassezia furfur antibodies with other yeasts

Anti-Malassezia furfur monospecific polyclonal antibodies was produced by repeated immunization of rabbit with Malassezia furfur yeast cells mixed with Freud adjuvant. The antibody titres of respective rabbit's serum samples prior to and after each immunization against M. furfur were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence technique using the M. furfur whole yeast antigen fixed in Teflon coated slides. The highest anti-M. furfur antibody titre achieved was 1 in 1280 dilution. At 1:20 dilution, none of the respective serum samples taken at various stages of immunization gave positive immunofluorescent staining against any of the other species of yeasts tested in this study. Anti-M. furfur monospecific polyclonal antibodies produced in rabbit in this study has the potential for diagnostic application in immunohistochemical detection of M. furfur in human tissues.

Tinea versicolor mimicking pityriasis rubra pilaris

Tinea versicolor is a common noninvasive cutaneous fungal disease. We recount a case of tinea versicolor that mimicked type I (classic adult) pityriasis rubra pilaris. A 54-year-old white man reported a 20-year history of a recurrent pruritic eruption that had marginally improved with use of selenium sulfide shampoo and treatment with oral antihistamines. Results of a skin examination revealed erythematous plaques; islands of spared skin; and follicular erythematous keratotic papules on the trunk, shoulders, and upper arms. A lesion was scraped to obtain skin scales for potassium hydroxide staining. Examination of the stained samples revealed the characteristic "spaghetti and meatballs," confirming the diagnosis.

???Hypopigmented Mycosis Fungoides??? Is Not Always Mycosis Fungoides!

We conducted a critical review of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides in historical perspective with emphasis on criteria clinical and histopathologic for diagnosis of that lymphoma as they are set forth in every article ever written about it. Toward that end, we undertook analysis of each article in the medical literature that mentioned hypopigmentation in mycosis fungoides (34 in toto). Each was scrutinized regarding content, photographs of lesions clinical pictured, and photomicrographs. On the basis of all the information in the 34 publications available to us, we made a determination about which patients had mycosis fungoides without doubt, which surely did not, and which about whom no judgment could be made by us because too little data requisite for such a decision was provided, especially in terms of photographs of lesions clinical and of photomicrographs. To date, 106 patients with "hypopigmented mycosis fungoides" have been reported on. Features clinical and findings histopathologic in 23 of those 106 patients were sufficient to permit us to determine, with a high degree of confidence, whether or not a particular patient truly had mycosis fungoides. In our judgment, 19 patients did have mycosis fungoides, whereas at least four patients did not. In regard to the other 83 patients, the information provided by the authors simply was not sufficient to allow us to come to a decision that we could justify.

Superficial fungal infections

Superficial fungal infections arise from a pathogen that is restricted to the stratum corneum, with little or no tissue reaction. In this Seminar, three types of infection will be covered: tinea versicolor, piedra, and tinea nigra. Tinea versicolor is common worldwide and is caused by Malassezia spp, which are human saprophytes that sometimes switch from yeast to pathogenic mycelial form. Malassezia furfur, Malassezia globosa, and Malassezia sympodialis are most closely linked to tinea versicolor. White and black piedra are both common in tropical regions of the world; white piedra is also endemic in temperate climates. Black piedra is caused by Piedraia hortae; white piedra is due to pathogenic species of the Trichosporon genus. Tinea nigra is also common in tropical areas and has been confused with melanoma.

Coexistence of pityriasis versicolor and erythrasma. Fallbericht. Pityriasis versicolor vergesellschaftet mit Erythrasma

We describe a 53-year-old woman with pityriasis versicolor together with erythrasma that was localized in the axillary and genitocrural region. The coexistence of these infections is rare and we propose the use of methylene blue stain for the diagnosis of both diseases.